EVolution challenge launched for health and hygiene start-ups

A co-creation challenge will take place in Munich this November which aims to expose start-ups to collaboration and strategic partnership opportunities with one of the global leaders in the hygiene and health sector.

Innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs are invited, who are in the early stages of developing pioneering and sustainable solutions that address barriers to hygiene, health, and well-being. The three-day event will give start-ups access to expert insight, mentorship, and networking. In addition, the chance to win a minimum of €15,000 equity-free, to bring joint business concepts to life that will be developed during the challenge.

EVolution is hosted by Essity Ventures, a new entity of the global hygiene and health company Essity. The event is part of Essity Ventures’ drive to collaboratively identify, validate, launch, and grow innovations, that break barriers to well-being.

Kai Thornagel, director of Essity Ventures, said: “Breaking barriers to well-being is at the core of what we do. We are delighted to collaborate with likeminded young companies and visionaries, to boost the development of new business models and ventures that have a life-changing positive impact on people everywhere, whilst improving hygiene and healthcare.

Together with Highline Beta, FemTech Lab, TUM Venture Lab Healthcare and other partners, start-ups and Essity will co-create solutions across five categories including the washroom of the future, preventing incontinence, finding hormonal balance, becoming a woman and a quest for sleep.

Benjamin Yoskovitz, founding partner at Highline Beta, said: "We’re excited about facilitating co-ideation and creation between bright and ambitious start-ups and senior executives at Essity through this three-day event. We believe strongly in the power of start-up-corporate collaboration, and we know this event will create win-win opportunities that solve real world problems and make a big impact.”

Karina Vazirova, co-founder at FemTech Lab, added: “Innovation happens when you combine market insights with creativity. It can be absolutely pivotal for a disruptive start-up to gain access to the insights of a corporate partner, and to think creatively together. We are thrilled to be part of this EVolution journey and are looking forward to working alongside Essity to accelerate innovation in female health and hygiene.”

EVolution is open to early-stage start-ups (pre-seed/seed) that are ideally already in the market with initial traction. The challenge takes place 9-11 November in Munich, Germany. Applications close on Friday 23rd September. To find out more and apply to take part, visit: www.essityventuresilab.com/evolution.